There are many things to do whilst staying at An Cala. This note gives a brief and personal overview.
Several websites give more complete and up to date information:
http://www.tobermory.co.uk/
https://visitmullandiona.co.uk/
In the sitting room, you will find a box containing maps, guides and leaflets. You are welcome to use them but kindly put them back in the box after use.
Things to do
Staffa island (1 day trip)
Go to Staffa island by boat (either from Tobermory, which is longer by boat but more convenient, especially if the sea is calm, or from near Ulva Ferry which means a shorter stretch by boat but a longer drive). Treshnish islands are part of many boat trips to Staffa. Definitely worth it when baby puffins are about the place. You can book from the privately-run Visitor Information kiosk at Ledaig (near the distillery and the pontoon) when in Tobermory. Take a picnic along with you as Staffa and the Treshnish islands are uninhabited.
Iona (1 day trip)
Iona is a must, in my opinion. You need to drive from Tobermory to Fionnphort (2 hours), leave the car there and get the ferry and "do" Iona on foot. No booking required. There is a nice restaurant on Iona, on the left hand side as you arrive from the ferry terminal. Wonderful landscapes, moving Abbey and immaculate beaches make Iona an ideal place for visitors of all ages.
Duart Castle
Duart Castle is worth visiting. It has been extensively restored but has kept its medieval touch. From 1st May to 18th October, Duart Castle is open open Saturdays to Wednesdays from 10.30am to 5pm. You are advised to check opening hours on the castle website.
Beaches
Calgary beach is wonderful, sandy and spacious. A smaller but very pleasant beach is Croig, on the way to Calgary (road on the left). There are other beaches on Mull, including Uisken beach. The Uisken road is just beyond Bunessan.
Walks in Tobermory
Golf course
From the house, the golf course is less than 5 minutes’ walk. It is breath-taking. It is as long as you want it to be. Mind the golf balls and keep clear of golfers.
Aros park
Still within Tobermory, the new coastal path to the Aros park (not to be confused with Aros, near Salen) takes to you to the other side of the bay from which you will get a nice view of the Bay and of Tobermory. Possibly 2 hours there and back with children. The new path starts from the Taigh Solais, Tobermory Harbour Association building (which looks like a lighthouse) at Ledaig, near the pontoons. Alternatively, you can drive there. The entrance to the park by car is on the left hand side of the road. Aros park car-park is 1.7mile from An Cala by car.
Rubha nan gall lighthouse
You can go to Rubha nan gall lighthouse on foot. The footpath was rehabilitated recently. From the main street, follow the path that goes up from the RNLI shop near cafe fish.
Walks beyond Tobermory
Ben More
Ben More (big mountain, in Gaelic) is the highest mountain on Mull. The tradition is to start the hike by touching the sea with one foot to claim you have been all the way. It is a one day expedition. Take warm and rainproof clothes.
Glengorm
Glengorm (Blue/green valley, in Gaelic) is nice too. There are easy walks with nice views from there. 10 minutes’ drive from An Cala.
Wildlife
Sealife
There are boat trips to explore sea-life (Sealife Mull is a company that does that), which may include sharks, basking sharks, whales, dolphins etc.
Eagle-watching
Mull Magic Wildlife Walks and Tours: Tel: 01688 301213 Mob: 07923 153976
Eating out
A list of eating places using local sourced produce is available on the Mullandionafood website.
The pier cafe
"The pier cafe" is located inside the old CalMac pier in Tobermory, next to the tourist information office. I am told it is good and reasonable.
Sgriob Ruadh Cheese Farm
I am told the Sgriob Ruadh Cheese Farm, just outside Tobermory, produces nice lunches.
The Boathouse, Ulva
The Boathouse is a sea-food restaurant just off the ferry on the Ulva side. We have always enjoyed it.
Am Birlinn
Am Birlinn is situated past Dervaig on the way to Calgary is usually good, although we have in the past been slightly disappointed.
Ninth Wave
Ninth Wave produces excellent and innovative meals using locally sourced products. It is in Fionnphort, the town opposite Iona, about two hours’ drive from Tobermory. Open Wednesday - Sunday. Dinners only. Booking is essential.
Markets
Tobermory Open Air Producers’ Market operates in the high season on Mondays from noon until 2 PM. It is located next to the Tobermory Harbour Building overlooking Tobermory Bay. You will find locally produced cheese, vegetables, meat, smoked salmon, marmelade etc.
There is another producers market at Craignure Village Hall, about one mile from Craignure Ferry. Monthly producers' Markets are held from March to September from 2 to 4PM some Sundays. You will find locally produced food, jams, baking, meat, cheese, fish and vegetables.